“Losing a friend is a painful and difficult experience that many of us will face at some point in our lives if not already. Friendship is a unique and special bond that brings joy, support, and companionship into our lives. When we lose a friend, we not only grieve the loss of their presence, but also the loss of the connection and shared experiences that we had with them.   Friendship is a unique relationship that often goes beyond the boundaries of family or romantic partnerships. Friends are the people we choose to bring into our lives, and they become an integral part of our support system. When we lose a friend, it can feel like losing a piece of ourselves. The impact of losing a friend can be profound, as it disrupts our daily routines, social dynamics, and emotional well-being.  The emotions experienced when losing a friend can be intense and overwhelming. Grief is a natural response to loss, and it can manifest in various ways.  It is important to acknowledge and validate these emotions, as they are a normal part of the grieving process. 

Also if it gets heavy for you in coping with this loss whether loss of a friend or a loved one significant to you on spouse or romantic level, it is important to seek professional help if needed there is nothing wrong with professional help or counseling.  Everyone grieves at their pace and you being there with allowing them to go at that pace friend/family or professional support is always helpful.

Engaging in self-care activities is another important coping strategy for dealing with the loss of a friend. Self-care involves taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This can include activities such as exercise, meditation, journaling, spending time in nature, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy. Taking care of yourself during this difficult time is essential for healing and moving forward.

Connecting with others who have experienced similar loss can also be beneficial. Support groups or online communities provide a space to share your experiences, gain support from others who understand your pain, and learn from their coping strategies.

Looking at the good times and celebrating the loss is always a good step in the right direction for grieving and letting you know its not over but at a completely different positive level till you see each other again.”

Legacy Family Services (https://www.legacyfs.org/friendship-farewell-navigating-the-grief-of-losing-a-companion/)